Process Engineering and Techno-Economic Assessment of Plastic Waste Pyrolysis for Liquid Fuel Production in Tourism-Based Geopark Systems

Abstract

This study presents a process engineering and techno-economic assessment of liquid fuel production from tourism-generated plastic waste using a pyrolysis-based conversion system implemented in geopark environments. The proposed system integrates waste collection and preprocessing, oxygen-limited thermal decomposition, and condensation-based product recovery to transform plastic waste into a usable liquid fuel. The engineering assessment evaluates system operability, feedstock handling, and energy recovery pathways, including the utilization of by-products to enhance overall process efficiency. A techno-economic framework is applied to examine investment feasibility, operational robustness, and long-term financial performance under realistic implementation conditions. The results indicate that plastic waste pyrolysis can function as a viable waste-to-energy solution in tourism-intensive geopark systems when supported by effective operational management and institutional coordination. Beyond economic performance, the system contributes to circular resource utilization, waste reduction, and local energy generation. The proposed approach directly supports the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to affordable and clean energy, sustainable communities, responsible consumption and production, and climate action.